With one voice did they make the promise--Then they asked of the Duchess fair, 585 If the host should be hers? But she answered, 'Believe me, of all men there I know neither shield nor bearer; perchance he who wrought me ill Hath entered my land, and thought him to bow Logrois unto his will. He hath found it right well defended! My people might well defy, From their tower and their battlements lofty, e'en such army as here doth lie! 590 Hath he wrought there fresh deeds of knighthood, then King Gramoflanz sure hath thought To revenge himself for the garland that my knight from his tree hath brought. But whoever they be, I know well, they shall many a joust have seen, And many a spear at Logrois by mine army hath splintered been.' And never a lie had she spoken--For Arthur must peril face 595 As he rode thro' the land of Logrois; and many of Breton race In knightly joust had fallen--But Arthur their ill repaid In the self-same coin, and on both sides sore stress on the host was laid. Battle-weary, so came they hither of whom one full oft must hear That they sold their lives full dearly, and did never a foeman fear. 600 And either side had suffered, both Garel and Gaherjet, King Meljanz of Lys, and Iofreit, son of Idol, in durance set Ere even the end of the Tourney--From Logrois they captive bare The Duke of Vermandois, Friam, and Count Richard, he of Nevers, Who naught but one spear had needed ere he against whom he rode 605 Had fallen 'neath his stroke so mighty, and no man his joust abode. With his own hand King Arthur made him his captive, this gallant knight; Then, dauntless, they spurred them onward, and the armies they met in fight, And a forest, methinks, it cost them! For no man the jousts might know That were ridden, a rain of splinters fell thick at each mighty blow; 610 And the Bretons, they bore them bravely 'gainst the Lady of Logrois' host, And Arthur himself the rear-guard would keep at sore conflict's cost. And in this wise they fought and they vexed them through the hours of the livelong day, Till the greater part of the army outwearied with conflict lay.